FourDocs and Mediabox invited you to think of an idea for a short documentary about something you care about. If you already entered you might be on your way to winning £500 to make the documentary.
We want you to write 200 words about what you would make your documentary about if you won. The best 10 ideas will win £500 to make the film over the summer holidays.
To apply, please complete Media Box's online application form. The competition is open to England residents only.
The deadline for entries was 16th June 2008
The winners will be making their documentary films during August!
If you're shortlisted, we'll let you know soon and you’ll be invited to an all expenses paid workshop in London (venue to be confirmed) 24th-25th July. You need to make sure you and a parent, guardian or other adult are available to attend this workshop. Filmmaking experts will get you started on making your documentary. Once you've learned the basics we’ll give you £500 and a filmmaking mentor to help you make your film.
The finished films must be submitted by 8th September. On the 24th September, the films will be judged by experienced documentary makers, the FourDocs team and Channel 4 commissioning editors. The winner will be informed the following day.
Before you enter this competition you’ll need to make sure you fit into one of these categories:
1. You need to be between 13 and 19 years old on the 16th July 2008
2. If you're under 16, we need to see consent from your parent or guardian. If you're over 16, you need to provide a referee who'll vouch for you.
3. We're particularly interested to hear from you if you aren't able to find places to go and things to do in your local area, or if you feel that you wouldn't normally get the chance to do something like this. For example, if your family can't afford to send you on media courses, you've been excluded from school, you care for a family member, or you have children of your own.
Please check your answers carefully: to enter the competition you need to be eligible. If you don't meet the criteria for this competition visit the 4Talent site for further opportunities.
If you're not sure if you qualify please email info@media-box.co.uk and we'll discuss it with you.
Your idea for a documentary can be about absolutely anything, but remember that you need to make it fit into the timeslot of between 3 and 5 minutes so you need to keep it limited to a subject you can explore well in this time. For some examples of brilliant FourDocs made by young people, see Horsepower, Balloon Ballistic, Culture, and Grime Over Time.
Plus to get you thinking, check out all the guides on the Make Docs section on the FourDocs website , which will give you a crash-course in doc-making.
If you're looking for some inspiration, watch the 10 winning entries from last year.
Remember, we want you to think of an idea for a doc that you really care about, really want to make, and think that you could film in a few weeks. Try and think of something unique that you don't think you've ever seen on TV before. Let your imagination run wild, you can make a documentary about anything!
We'd like to help you develop your ideas, and we can answer any questions you have, so please email us at fourdocs@channel4.com and we'll help. We'll also help you when you're making and editing the fillm too, so don't worry if you're not sure now where you're going to get the equipment to make it from. And definitely don't worry if you've never made a film before!
For more information, and to apply, go onto this application form on the Mediabox website. Good luck!
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